The Christmas Victory (Gift Edition) A Gem of a Sermon, All Wrapped Up In a Historical Novel

The next day, Christmas day, 1864, Charles thought it might be a good time to try once more to interest his father in the Chaplain's Christmas message, which had so changed his life.  “Father dear,” he pleaded, “wouldn't you please let me tell you about that Christmas message the chaplain gave right before I got injured and which so changed my life.  It's very interesting.”

             “Not now, Son,” he replied wearily.  “I just want to be left alone.”

             “But, Father, when are you going to snap out of this extended melancholy of yours?   It's Christmas, and part of the Christmas message is ‘peace on earth, goodwill to men.’”

             “Ha!” He snarled.  “How can there be any peace on earth while this war drags on?”

             “It may be nearing an end.”

             “I'll believe that when I see it.”

             “And what about your personal war, Father?”] 

             “What do mean: my personal war?”

             “The one you're fighting with God Almighty.   I know you're blaming Him for Mother's death.  But it was just one of those things, Father.   Come-on!  The message of Christmas is Peace on earth, Goodwill to men, and that means an end to the hostilities between man and his creator.” 

             Henry frowned.  “That'll be enough Son!  My relationship with my creator is my own business.”

             “But do you even have a relationship with Him at all?”

             “That also is my business.   Now, I'll thank you to leave me alone.”

             So Charles went and sat down in the living room and reached for the family Bible which lay under a pile of dust on one of the living room tables.   The other children came downstairs one by one and sat expectantly waiting for the opening of the presents.  Charles sighed and told them “I think he wants to be left alone.  He's in one of his moods.   We can open the presents later—before lunch.  Why don't you go out and play now?”

             Alice Mary sighed and said, “I wonder if Father is going to be like this forever.”

             “Yes,” agreed little Edith.  “Will it ever really be Christmas again?”

             Charles sighed.  “We just have to give him some time.”

             “Time?” asked Ernest.  “But it's been over three years since mother died.”

             “I know,” agreed Charles.  “Some things take longer with some people.”